Estate of Joseph P. Ciancola, III, of Orange, Receives $1.45M Settlement

The University of Rhode Island and its insurance carrier have settled a lawsuit relating to the death of a student-athlete in 2011, according to a statement issued by the university.

Joseph P. Ciancola, III, of Orange, Connecticut, a member of the URI baseball team, died three days after a “strength and conditioning” team workout at URI.

He collapsed during the Oct. 24, 2011 workout session and remained hospitalized until passing away at Rhode Island Hospital on Oct. 27. Michele Ciancola, Joe’s mother, brought a wrongful death lawsuit against the university in August 2012.

URI disputed the plaintiffs’ allegations, and both sides claimed strong support for their respective positions, the statement reads.

The case was scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, 2016, but was settled Friday, Jan. 8 for $1.45 million.

The decision to settle recognizes that this was a tragic death and acknowledges the uncertainty involved in litigation of this nature, the statement reads.

Ciancola’s mother’s attorney, Patrick C. Barry of Decof, Decof & Barry, P.C., stated that the settlement was “good for both sides,” adding “This was a tragic death and a hard-fought legal dispute. We are pleased that in addition to the settlement funds, URI will set up a scholarship in Joe’s memory.”

“Joe was, and with this scholarship, will continue to be part of the University of Rhode Island Athletics family,” said Thorr Bjorn, URI Athletic Director in a statement.

Joe was a graduate of Amity High School Class of 2010. Joseph was the captain of the hockey team as a defenseman and captain of the baseball team as a talented pitcher for the Spartans. He led the Spartans hockey team to 2 Division II state titles and was chosen All State and All Conference for both sports.

Joseph was named Amity HS 2010 Baseball MVP and 2010 Amity HS Athlete of the Year.